"The solid-state laser is a big step forward to revolutionising modern warfare with directed energy, just as gunpowder did in the era of knives and swords."

The US Navy released a video of LaWS being used to shoot down a drone off the coast of San Diego, California.

The system is expected to be installed permanently on USS Ponce in the next financial year.

The system can be affected by rain and fog (US Navy John F. Williams)

A spokesman for the US Navy described LaWS as "revolutionary technology that gives the Navy an extremely affordable, multi-mission weapon with a deep magazine and unmatched precision, targeting and control functions".

However, a report by the Congressional Research Service noted several drawbacks, including the potential for laser beams to strike satellites or aircraft.